High Park Nature Centre

Nature Club Assistants will support our educators deliver outdoor programs to children ages 3 months to 16 years old or adults aged 17 years and above (depending on the club). These programs offer participants the opportunity to explore High Park and learn about natural history through nature-based experiences. 

Fall 2026 Clubs Volunteer Position Details 

Opportunity type: In-person, supporting educators deliver programs (multiple positions open) 

Caregiver-accompanied Early Years Nature Clubs (ages 3 months-5 years) 

• Nature Baby (3-18 Months, Caregiver Accompanied) - Mondays: 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (Weekly, Sep. 21 - Dec. 14, 11 Sessions, No Nature Baby on Thanksgiving) 
• Nature Baby (3-18 Months, Caregiver Accompanied) - Tuesdays: 12:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. (Weekly, Sep. 22 - Dec. 15, 12 Sessions) 
• Nature Baby (3-18 Months, Caregiver Accompanied) - Thursdays: 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (Weekly, Sep. 24 - Dec. 17, 12 Sessions) 
• Waddlers (18 Months - 3 Years, Caregiver Accompanied) - Tuesdays: 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (Weekly, Sep. 24 - Dec. 17, 12 Sessions) 
• Fox & Kits (18 Months - 5 years, Caregiver Accompanied) - Fridays: 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (Weekly, Sep. 25 – Dec. 18, 12 Sessions) 
• Fox & Kits (18 Months - 5 years, Caregiver Accompanied) - Saturdays: 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (Weekly, Sep. 26 – Dec. 19, 12 Sessions) 
• Fox & Kits (18 Months - 5 years, Caregiver Accompanied) - Sundays: 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (Weekly, Sep. 27 – Dec. 20, 11 Sessions, No Fox & Kits on October 11) 
• Knee-high Naturalists (3 - 5 Years, Caregiver Accompanied) - Wednesdays: 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (Weekly, Nov. 11 – Dec. 16, 6 Sessions) 
• Knee-high Naturalists (3 - 5 Years, Caregiver Accompanied) - Saturdays: 1:30 - 4:00 p.m. (Weekly, Sep. 26 – Dec. 19, 12 Sessions) 

Drop-Off School Age Nature Clubs (ages 4-11 years) 

• Chipmunks (4 - 5 Years, Drop-off) - Saturdays: 1:30 - 4:30 p.m. (Weekly, Sep. 26 - Dec. 19, 12 Sessions) 
• Chipmunks (4 - 5 Years, Drop-off) - Sundays: 1:30 - 4:30 p.m. (Bi-weekly, Oct. 4 – Dec. 13, 6 Sessions) 
• Racoons (6 - 8 Years, Drop-off) - Saturdays: 1:30 - 4:30 p.m. (Weekly, Sep. 26 - Dec. 19, 12 Sessions) 
• Racoons (6 - 8 Years, Drop-off) - Sundays: 1:30 - 4:30 p.m. (Bi-weekly, Oct. 4 – Dec. 13, 6 Sessions) 
• Coyotes (9 - 11 Years, Drop-off) - Saturdays: 1:30 - 4:30 p.m. (Weekly, Sep. 26 - Dec. 19, 12 Sessions) 

Youth Nature Clubs (ages 12-16 years) 

• Youth Rangers (ages 12-16 years) - Tuesdays: 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. (Weekly, Sep. 22 – Dec. 8, 12 Sessions) 
• Youth Rangers (ages 12-16 years) - Thursdays: 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. (Weekly, Sep. 24 – Dec. 10, 12 Sessions) 

Adult Nature Clubs (Ages 17+) 

• Adult Rangers (17+) - Thursdays: 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (Weekly, Sep. 24 – Nov. 26. 10 Sessions) 
• Urban Naturalists (17+) - Saturdays: 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (Weekly, Oct. 3 – Dec. 12, 6 Sessions) 

Commitment: Anywhere from 6 to 12 sessions or 15 to 36 hours, depending on the club (mid-September to mid-December) 

Age requirements: 15 years of age or older 

Location: High Park Nature Centre - Forest School, 375 Colborne Lodge Drive 
  

What You’ll Be Doing as a Volunteer 

Please see our website for club schedules and age group descriptions: 

• Assisting staff to deliver outdoor nature interpretation programs and activities for children between ages 6 months to 16 years or adults ages 17 years and above (depending on the club); 
• Role modeling respect and appreciation for the natural world; 
• Aiding with set up and clean up before and after the program. 

How to Excel as a Volunteer with the Nature Centre 

• Experience or interest in working with children in an educational/recreational setting; 
• Excellent oral communication skills and interpersonal skills; 
• Ability to climb steep slopes and walk rugged terrain; 
• Ability to be outside in all weather conditions (e.g. rain, sunshine, extreme heat); 
• Dedication to and understanding of environmental issues; 
• Nature interpretation skills, knowledge of local ecology is a strong asset; 
• Must be 15 years of age or older; 
• Valid police record check for individuals 18 years and older. 

Please note: Some of our programs may be physically demanding including lifting/carrying programs materials up to 30lbs, longer hikes on uneven terrain, sitting/standing/running for extended periods of time, etc. If you require physical accommodations, please reach out to us. 
 
What Volunteers Can Gain at the Nature Centre 

• Orientation/training session prior to the start of your volunteering; 
• An opportunity to learn from and shadow Outdoor Educators; 
• An opportunity to learn about the ecology of High Park; 
• Reference letter can be provided at your request; 
• Completion of high school volunteer hours; 
• An I 💚 High Park t-shirt after 35 hours of volunteering; 
• Police record check reimbursement after 10 hours of volunteering; 
• Attractions Ontario membership benefits. 

Commitment 

Fall Volunteers commit to supporting clubs from September through December.  Depending on the club, you’ll support between 6 to 12 sessions. The total time commitment when supporting a club this fall season is between 15 and 36 hours, depending on the club. Volunteers must be able to commit to volunteering for all weeks of the specific nature club. 
 
New volunteers must commit to participating in a group interview and, if selected, an in-person orientation.  

What's Next After Submitting an Application? 

Due to high application volume, please allow up to four weeks for our team to review your submission.   

Successful applicants will be invited to an in-person group interview at the High Park Nature Centre – HPNC Cottage (440 Parkside Drive) — a great chance to meet fellow volunteers and learn what to expect.   

Candidates who move forward will attend an orientation session at the High Park Nature Centre – High Park Forest School (375 Colborne Lodge Drive) before camp begins.